Frank Pritchard ends NRL career

Author: NRL.com
Timestamp: Sun 7 Jan 2018, 12:28 AM

NRL Fantasy 2018

Rugged forward Frank Pritchard has announced the end of a lengthy NRL career.

The back-rower who made his name during stints at Penrith Panthers and Canterbury Bulldogs, took to Instagram to let the league world know of his plans.

Thank you to all the clubs that allowed me to live my dreams. From a young kid from Claymore I always dreamed of being where I have been for the past 15years, that dream came true. I'm truly grateful for what the game has given me, from this I will take away so many life experiences and memories to last me a lifetime. Just wanted to thank all the fans of the game who have followed my journey, without you all, strapping on those boots and turning up everyday to play would be for nothing. To all my Brothaz who I have played with n against, I wish you the best for 2018 and beyond. To my Family words can't explain how much you guys mean to me, My wife & kids, you guys make me whole, I wore you on my sleeve and in MY heart every time I went out to play, Mum & Dad thank you for everything without you both I would not even be here you guys were there from the start. And my siblings YES all 7 did my head in every week the past 20yrs of playing, yelling and screaming and letting me know every little thing I did wrong 🤣🤣, BUT you guys made me grounded Love you all NOW THATS A WRAP, the TANK is signing out. This isn't the end but a new beginning of a new chapter. @nz_rugby_league @toa.samoa @penrithpanthers @nrl_bulldogs @theparraeels @hullfcofficial

A post shared by Frank Pritchard (@pritchardfrank) on Jan 5, 2018 at 3:49am PST

After making his Telstra Premiership debut for Penrith in 2003 and playing 144 matches with that club, the man known as ''Frank the Tank'' switched to the Bulldogs and played a further 104 NRL matches over five seasons.

After a one-year stint with Super League club Hull, Pritchard spent what would prove his final NRL season playing alongside his brother Kaysa at the Parramatta Eels.

On top of his impressive club career, Pritchard played Test football for both New Zealand and Samoa.